Jersey Finance Announces that Chief Executive is to Leave

Tuesday 4 September 2018

Jersey Finance has today announced that after almost 12 years in the role, Geoff Cook has decided to move on.

Appointed in 2007, Geoff has been at the helm of the organisation, helping guide the island through the financial crisis of 2007/8 and playing a key role over the last decade in driving Jersey forward as an international finance centre of excellence.

Geoff will remain in his position as CEO throughout his notice period. The Board is already engaged with the Appointments Commission in terms of advertising and securing an appropriate successor, to ensure Jersey Finance continues to represent the island’s industry without interruption.

Geoff Cook commented:
“I am so proud to have been at the heart of this great organisation for the past 12 years, working with a fantastic team, key partners and members to grow our finance industry, an industry that is now recognised globally as a leading international finance centre. It is an opportune moment for a new leader with a fresh perspective to help shape the future direction of our industry. After a long and privileged career as an ambassador for Jersey, I plan to transition to a non-executive career in financial services as a board director and adviser. I would like to thank my team, peers, partners and the Jersey Finance Members and Board for their continued support over the years and I am confident that this organisation and our industry will continue to go from strength to strength.”

Jersey Finance Chairman, Gunther Thumann said: “On behalf of the Jersey Finance Board, I would like to sincerely thank Geoff for his fantastic contribution to Jersey Finance and the success of our industry over his 12 years of service. He has played a pivotal role in shaping our future through his expertise, commitment and passion. He has been a brilliant ambassador for Jersey and is highly regarded by all those who have met with him locally and internationally. We wish him well in his new career and congratulate him on his many achievements over the years.”

Minister for External Relations, Senator Ian Gorst added: “Having worked with Geoff for a number of years, I would like to thank him for his outstanding service to the financial services industry and to the Island. It has been a pleasure to work alongside Geoff and share his enthusiasm and dedication to the success of our international finance centre. I wish him all the very best for the future and every success with his new business venture.”

Notes to Editor
Geoff joined Jersey Finance in 2007 with a strong career background in the London banking world, having held senior-level roles in wealth management and financial planning. Geoff is a Chartered Banker MBA, Chartered Director, a Fellow of the ifs School of Finance, a Fellow of the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment and a Member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners. Geoff is also Chairman of the Jersey Employment Trust, a locally registered charity whose primary role is to assist people with a disability to prepare, find and maintain employment in Jersey.